WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Justice Department announced today that it has filed suit against Watkins Motor Lines, Inc., headquartered in Lakeland, Florida, alleging the company discriminated against Jose Martinez on the basis of his citizenship status.

The suit alleges Watkins refused to accept valid documents that Mr. Martinez presented to prove that he is authorized to work in the United States, and Watkins has a pattern or practice of discriminating against immigrants at its Schaumberg, Illinois facility.

In addition, the suit alleges even though Mr. Martinez provided Watkins with genuine and valid evidence of his right to work in the United States, he was denied employment when he was unable to meet Watkins' demands for additional evidence. The suit also alleges that other immigrants at Watkins' Schaumberg facility were required to meet Watkins' demands for specific documents to establish their right to work in the United States.

As part of the suit, the Department will be seeking to identify other individuals who may have been discriminated against by Watkins.

The suit was filed by the Department of Justices Civil Rights Division, Office of Special Counsel for Immigration Related Unfair Employment Practices (OSC). Persons who have questions about whether they may have been discriminated against on the basis of their citizenship status may call the OSC at 1-800-255-7688.

Employers who wish to learn how they may avoid committing unfair immigration-related employment practices may call OSC's toll-free automated hot-line at 1-800-255-8155 or the Department's internet website http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/osc/index.html. Persons seeking information on the OSC and the laws that it enforces may also write to: Office of Special Counsel for Immigration Related Unfair Employment Practices Civil Rights Division, Department of Justice 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20530 or Email:osc.crt@usdoj.gov.